The application of tectonogeochemical cuttings survey to gold prospecting in Nanshan area of Danghe, Gansu Province

Danghe Nanshan is one of the important gold metallogenic areas in Gansu Province. A number of important gold deposits have been discovered there, such as Jiagongtai, Heicigou and Langchagou, suggesting that the metallogenic conditions are very favorable. However, due to the special geochemical landscape of this area, the peripheral prospecting effect is not good. When carrying out the 1:50 000 mineral prospect survey project in Heidaban-Danghe Nanshan area and aiming at the low and gentle anomalies in the area, the authors introduced the 1:10 000 tectono-geochemical debris survey method into the gold prospecting work for the first time, and analyzed the geochemical characteristics and element combination characteristics in this area. Combined with the metallogenic geological background, 13 comprehensive geochemical anomalies were delineated, and it was found that the main metallogenic elements Au, Pb and Pb and exploration elements As and Sb are intensively enriched in favorable structural positions. Through trenching, 6 new gold mineralization zones were discovered and 15 gold orebodies were delineated. This method was further applied to the gold prospecting in adjacent areas, with good prospecting results achieved. The successful application of this method is of great significance for prospecting in the geochemical landscape area of shallow covered Alpine desert.